CCA taking heroic nominations

The Cruising Club of America is accepting nominations for its Rod Stephens Trophy, an award named for yacht designer Rod Stephens, one of two founders of Sparkman & Stephens in New York.

The CCA describes the award thus: "Since 2000 the CCA has presented its Rod Stephens Trophy to an individual who has brought about an act of seamanship that significantly contributes to the safety of a yacht or of one or more individuals at sea. Honoring the memory of an exemplar and teacher of the best seamanship, the Stephens award is open to all - crews and skippers, women and men, CCA members and non-members, and citizens of all countries."

Tom Adams, a past winner, was a crewmember aboard the sloop Kirawan, who successfully patched a leak in the vessel during the 2000 Bermuda Race.